Mohamed Salah set a new record for the most goals and assists registered in a 38-game Premier League season, as he moved onto 45 direct goal contributions for the campaign with his assist for Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz against West Ham.
The assist moved him onto 18 for the season to go with his 27 goals in the top flight, moving him clear of Thierry Henry and Erling Haaland, who he had been tied with.
Henry and Haaland both previously managed 44 direct goal contributions, with Henry recording 24 goals and 20 assists in 2002-03, and Haaland plundering 36 goals and eight assists in 2022-23.
It didn’t take long for Liverpool to take the lead against West Ham, as Salah raced free in the 18th minute before squaring to Diaz with the outside of his left foot for a tap-in.
Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports co-commentary: “It has been a huge part of his game this season. It is not like we haven’t seen him get assists before but his numbers this season have been breathtaking. We have seen it with those balls to the back post with the outside of his foot.”
The assist came after a memorable week for the Egyptian which saw him sign a new contract with the club after months of speculation surrounding his future.
Salah’s previous deal had been due to expire on June 30, and clubs in the Saudi Pro League would likely have pounced had he indicated a desire to leave as a free agent.
Speaking to club media as his contract was announced, Salah said. “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.
“It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.
“I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”
Arne Slot, meanwhile, said: “I’m happy, of course. He’s shown at this club for so many years in a row now how much value he has for the team and for the club. We’re very happy he’s extended for two more years and hopefully he can show on Sunday [against West Ham United] how important he has been for the whole season for us.
“Relief? For the fans I think so. It’s no surprise to you I knew a bit better how the contract situation went over the course of the whole season. Maybe for the fans it was a pleasant surprise. I knew a bit longer things were heading in the right direction.
“It is a big compliment to Richard Hughes because Mo Salah, as a free agent, can go to any club he wants to. But he stayed at our club and that’s also a compliment for Richard.”
